Barcelona stars join Real Madrid in skipping Ballon d'Or ceremony as Pedri & Robert Lewandowski make 'surprising' decision

Both Pedri and Lewandowski had tremendous outings with Barcelona and the duo played a pivotal role in the Catalan club's three trophy wins, including the La Liga title triumph. Lewandowski was the team's highest scorer with 42 goals to his name across all competitions. 

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According to Mundo Deportivo, Pedri and Lewandowski have decided not to travel to Paris on Monday for the Ballon d'Or ceremony as they do not consider themselves front-runners to win the Golden Ball. Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and their Brazilian star Raphinha are contesting with Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele for the top award. Sport further reports that Pedri has informed the Catalan side that he is prioritising rest over the ceremony to maintain fitness amid a hectic schedule. 

Other than the Barcelona men's star, several players from their women's team are nominated for the Ballon d'Or Feminin award. The list includes Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina, Vicky Lopez and Cata Coll.

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe will join Pedri and Lewandowski in skipping the ceremony, as he had earlier confirmed that he would watch it on television and is backing compatriot Dembele to win the ultimate prize.